In this edition
Explosives awareness training
Afghan, Coalition Forces disrupt terrorist network in Eastern Afghanistan
Deadly explosives exposed
UPDATE: Civilian casualties in Sangin District
Security, Development Intertwine in Afghanistan War
Explosives awareness training
GURESHK, Afghanistan - A soldier of the Royal Engineers Joint Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) group conducts mine awareness training with members of the Afghan National Army at Forward Operating Base Kenan on Jan. 28, 2009. Military leaders at Task Force Helmand are beginning a rigorous mine awareness campaign wih local residents, Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army to teach proper identification and marking of unexploded ordinance with the goal of reducing civilian casualties from accidental handling of explosive devices. Credit: ISAF
Afghan, Coalition Forces disrupt terrorist network in Eastern Afghanistan
February 26, 2009
KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security forces and Coalition Forces killed one militant and detained 10 suspected militants in operations in Nangarhar and Khowst Provinces Wednesday.
In Kot District, Nangarhar Province, approximately 30 km southeast of Jalalabad, Afghan special operations forces backed by a small contingent of Coalition Forces, conducted an operation to disrupt a foreign fighter facilitation network and suicide improvised explosive device operation. The individual targeted during this operation was directly involved in the IED attack Feb. 7 that killed the Goshta sub-governor, and was known to have planned several attacks against Afghan and Coalition Forces in Nangarhar Province.
After arriving at the targeted compound, an armed individual maneuvered on the force with hostile intent. The force responded, killing the militant. Three other suspected militants were detained without incident. During this operation, three women and 17 children were protected.
In Mandozi District, Khowst Province, approximately 10 km southwest of Khowst, Coalition Forces and Afghan National Police conducted an operation targeting a Haqqani network operator known to have carried out hostile actions against Coalition Forces in Khowst, including IED strikes and suicide bomber facilitation.
The combined force arrived at the targeted location and searched several buildings on multiple compounds. One armed militant engaged the assault force and suffered a superficial injury from a gunshot wound. Coalition Forces provided medical treatment to the individual and detained him and six other militants. Forces found a pistol, shotgun and an AK-47 assault rifle in one of the buildings. During this operation, 19 women and 28 children were protected.
Deadly explosives exposed
KABUL, Afghanistan - Members of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (KPRT) safely destroyed approximately 1,600 pounds of munitions and other explosives used to make Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at a range near Kandahar Air Field earlier this week. Most of these munitions were found in or near Kandahar city.
"Kandaharis are increasingly playing a role in security of their region. Safe destruction of these IEDs by professionals is another success for the security of the city because in such incidents the victims are always civilians,” said the Governor of Kandahar Province, Tooryalai Wesa.
"In the last 2 months, through the support of Kandaharis and the Afghan National Police (ANP), we have taken these munitions off the streets of Kandahar," explained Lieutenant-Colonel Carl Turenne, Commanding Officer of the KPRT. "This safe destruction of IEDs is a demonstration of the greater trust that Kandaharis are placing in the local security forces, and underlines the importance of cooperation with the local police."
Afghan National Police and Army personnel have received training from KPRT military and civilian police staff to help them identify possible IEDs as well as basic skills to render them safe. Cooperation between the ANP and the KPRT has resulted in an increase in the number of IEDs disposed of safely by both ANP and International Security Assistance Forces throughout the city.
Recent statistics show that for every ten IEDs placed in Kandahar City, nine are found and safely dealt with by Afghan National Security Forces or ISAF personnel. Throughout the province as a whole, more than 60 percent of IEDs are found before they can harm innocent Afghans.
"By reporting possible IEDs, Kandaharis are removing possibly the greatest threat to the safety and security of their families. At the same time, this cooperation showcases the important and growing relationship Kandaharis have with their local police and coalition forces,” said Brigadier General Matiullah Khan, Kandahar Chief of Police. “By working together, we can all help to reduce the risk of innocent civilians being injured or killed,” he said.
The ANP and KPRT are proud to be working together to bring an increasingly safe and secure environment to the people of Kandahar, thereby helping Afghans create the conditions for economic growth and development in their region.
Kandaharis who witness suspicious behaviour or activities are encouraged to contact their local police or to call the hotline at 0700377591.
ISAF serviceman killed in Southern Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan - An International Security Assistance Force serviceman died today as a result of wounds sustained during an ISAF patrol in Southern Afghanistan on 23 February. He had been returned to his home country for medical treatment but died in hospital.
"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of this soldier and offer our condolences to his grieving family," said Brigadier-General Richard Blanchette, ISAF Spokesperson. "His valiant efforts will not be forgotten, and spurs us to continue our vital mission to bring security to the people of Afghanistan.”"
It is ISAF policy not to release the nationality of any casualty prior to the relevant national authority doing so.
Next of kin have been notified.
UPDATE: Civilian casualties in Sangin District
KABUL, Afghanistan - Further to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) statement issued 23 February in reference to civilian casualties in Sangin District, we can confirm that the Deputy Governor of Helmand, Hajji Abdul Sattar, and ISAF have launched a joint Afghan-ISAF investigation.
The Joint Investigation team includes representatives from the Provincial Council, National Directorate of Security (NDS), Afghan National Police (ANP), the District Governor and ISAF.
ISAF troops will cooperate fully with the investigation so that we can understand what happened as soon as possible.
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